Data communication apparatus for receiving and recording data and having means for adding a predetermined mark and a time of reception to the recorded data

ABSTRACT

A facsimile apparatus having a printer interface and a recorder unit usable as a printer, includes an image memory for storing facsimile image data received during an operation as the printer, a key switch for switching an operation mode between a facsimile mode and a printer mode by a switching operation, and a controller for automatically causing the recorder unit to perform an output operation such that the image data stored in the image memory in the printer mode is read out to print received image information by the switching operation of the key switch to the facsimile mode when the facsimile image data is received in the printer mode.

This application is a division of application Ser. No. 08/541,177 filedOct. 11, 1995, which in turn is a division of application Ser. No.08/347,234 filed Nov. 23, 1994.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a facsimile apparatus having a memoryreception faculty.

2. Related Background Art

A facsimile apparatus having a printer interface and a recorder unitindependently usable as a printer is known. According to the facsimileapparatus of this type, printing of an external data signal other than afacsimile image signal can be independently performed. This makesvarious faculties available, so that the apparatus can be used in avariety of applications.

On the other hand, a facsimile apparatus having an image memory forstoring received image data is also known. In this facsimile apparatus,when facsimile image data is received in a memory reception mode, thereceived image data is temporarily stored in the image memory. Arecorder unit prints the received image on the basis of the receivedimage data read out from the image memory. According to the facsimileapparatus of this type, when the recorder unit is in a recording disablestate due to, e.g., a lack of recording paper, the received data isstored in the image memory without stopping the receiving operation.After the recording faculty of the recorder unit is recovered byreplenishment of the recording paper, the received data can be read outfrom the image memory and printed.

In the facsimile apparatus having the recorder unit independently usableas a printer, facsimile information cannot be received when the recorderunit is used as the printer. An alarm is generated to inform the senderthat the apparatus is in use. For this reason, urgent facsimileinformation cannot be received, resulting in inconvenience.

Additionally, in the facsimile apparatus having the memory receptionmode for temporarily storing the received image data in the image memoryupon reception of facsimile image data, the facsimile image datareceived during printing is recorded in the memory. The receivedfacsimile image read out from the memory is output after the end ofprinting. Therefore, the facsimile image reception time may be largelydifferent from the image recording time. If a large time lag is presentbetween reception of the facsimile image and setting of the recorderunit in a recording enable state, much time is needed from reception ofthe facsimile information to recording of the information. Since aprinter output image and a facsimile output image are simultaneouslyobtained, a time relationship between the two output images cannot begrasped in processing, resulting in inconvenience. In a generalfacsimile apparatus, a sending time is added to facsimile information onthe sender side. Facsimile apparatuses in which a reception time isadded to facsimile information on the receiver side have also beenwidely used. However, there is no facsimile apparatus yet in which boththe reception time and a read/recording time are added on the receiverside. As a result, it is difficult to discriminate a printer outputimage from a facsimile output image.

In such a multi-faculty facsimile apparatus, it is commonly required toswitch operations of different faculties with a simple operation withoutany error, thereby preventing an operator from being confused inprocessing of recording data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the abovesituation of a facsimile apparatus, and has as its first object toprovide a facsimile apparatus capable of appropriately performingprocessing with a simple operation without any error when reception offacsimile information and printing of a recorder unit are simultaneouslyperformed.

The present invention has as its second object to provide a facsimileapparatus capable of grasping the time situation of processing facsimileinformation without any extra operation when reception of the facsimileinformation and printing of a recorder unit are simultaneouslyperformed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the arrangement of thefirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of anoperation/display unit in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operation in an automatic recordingmode of the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation in a normal recording modeof the first embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the second embodiment;and

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing the recorded image of the secondembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings. The first embodiment will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a block diagramschematically showing the arrangement of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is anexplanatory view showing the arrangement of an operation/display unit inFIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operation in an automaticrecording mode of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing anoperation in a normal recording mode of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, as will be described below, a facsimile mode forperforming transmission/reception of facsimile image data and a printermode for printing an external signal by a recorder unit can be switched.When a facsimile image signal is received in the printer mode, the imagesignal is stored in an image memory. In correspondence with the useconditions of the apparatus, an automatic recording mode and a normalrecording mode can be switched.

Referring to FIG. 1, a main controller (CPU) 1 controls the entireoperation. The main controller 1 has an operation/display unit 3 with anLCD and a key switch, a reading control unit 4 for conveying an originaland reading the original by a device such as a CCD, a ROM, a RAM, and animage memory. The image memory is connected to a memory 2 for storingimage data received in the printer mode and image data read by thereading control unit 4 during transmission or printing of the original.Similarly, a communication control unit 5 having a modem is connected tothe main controller 1. The communication control unit 5 is connected toan NCU (network control unit) 6 connected to a line 7. With thisarrangement, during transmission of facsimile image data, image dataread by the reading control unit 4 is sent through the NCU via the line7 in accordance with a command from the main controller 1 under thecontrol of the communication control unit 5. During reception offacsimile image data, in accordance with a command from the maincontroller 1, image data is received from the line 7 through the NCU 6.In the facsimile mode, the received image data is printed by a recorderunit P (to be described later). In the printer mode, the received imagedata is stored in the image memory of the memory 2.

A recording control unit 8 is connected to the main controller 1. Therecording control unit 8 is connected to a recording head 9, a motor 10,an image memory 11 for storing an input image during printing orrearranging image data in accordance with the number of dots of thehead, and a printer interface 12. The recorder unit P is constituted bythe recording control unit 8, the printer interface 12, the recordinghead 9, the motor 10, and the image memory 11.

The recording control unit 8 has a faculty of controlling the recordinghead 9 serving as a recording device and a faculty of controlling themotor 10 for conveying recording paper. If the recorder unit has arecording head of a semi-multi head type for repeatedly scanning anoriginal in a main scanning direction, a carriage motor for moving thehead is controlled. The printer interface 12 is constituted by, e.g., acentronics connector. In the printer mode wherein the recorder unit P isused as a printer for an external signal, the recorder unit P isconnected to an external terminal such as a personal computer throughthe printer interface 12. An input signal is stored in the image memory11 while the printing operation is performed.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the operation/display unit 3, an LCD 30 fordisplaying various information such as the mode or state of theapparatus and a message to an operator is arranged at the upper centralportion of a panel S. A key switch (P/F key) 31 for switching betweenthe printer mode and the facsimile mode is provided below the LCD 30.LEDs 33 and 32 turned on upon switching between the printer mode and thefacsimile mode are arranged near the P/F key 31.

A recording mode selection switch 40 for selecting the automaticrecording mode or the normal recording mode is provided on one side ofthe P/F key 31. A start key 34 is provided on the other side of the P/Fkey 31. The start key 34 is operated at the time of transmission or thestart of printing in the facsimile mode. If the start key 34 is operatedin a state wherein no original is set in the apparatus, and image datais stored in the image memory, reading of the image data stored in theimage memory is started. A stop key 35 for stopping the operation of theapparatus is arranged below the start key 34. Operation keys 38 operatedin the printer mode and operation keys 37 operated in the facsimile modeare respectively arranged at two end portions of the panel S. An LED 36turned on upon storing image data in the image memory is arranged abovethe operation keys 37.

(Automatic Recording Mode)

An operation in the automatic recording mode of this embodiment with theabove arrangement will be described below with reference to FIG. 3.

In this case, the recording mode selection switch 40 is switched to aswitching terminal A side to set the automatic recording mode in theapparatus.

In step S1, the printer mode is set by the P/F key 31, and the recorderunit P is set in the printing enable state. In this state, the recorderunit P is connected to an external terminal such as a personal computerthrough the printer interface 12. When an input signal is generated, theinput signal is stored in the image memory 11, and printing is performedon the basis of the input signal data stored in the image memory 11. Ifthe apparatus is connected to a communication line, and a facsimileimage signal is received during printing, the facsimile image signal isreceived. So-called delayed delivery or acting reception is performedsuch that the received data is accumulated in the image memory of thememory 2 by the main controller 1. In step S2, the main controller 1determines whether the P/F key 31 is depressed. If NO in step S2, theflow advances to step S3, and the main controller 1 determines whetherprint-start of the input signal from the external terminal is present.If NO in step 1 S3, the flow returns to step S2 to execute the sameoperation (operation of determining whether the P/F key is depressed).If YES in step S3, the flow advances to step S4 to execute printing. Theoperation in step S4 is continued until the main controller 1 determinesend of printing in step S5. When the operation is ended, the flowreturns to step S2.

In step S2, if the main controller 1 determines that the P/F key 31 isswitched to the facsimile mode, the flow advances to step 56. The maincontroller 1 determines whether a facsimile image signal is received inthe printer mode. If NO in step S6, the flow advances to step S9 to setthe apparatus in a stand-by state in the facsimile mode.

If YES in step S6, the flow advances to step S7. The main controller 1reads out the image data stored in the image memory of the memory 2. Theimage data is transferred to the recording control unit 8, and printingof the image data is executed by the recorder unit P under the controlof the recording control unit 8. Reading/printing of the image data isexecuted until the main controller 1 determines the end of printing instep S8. If the end of printing is determined in step S8, the flowadvances to step S9 to set the apparatus in the stand-by state in thefacsimile mode.

(Normal Recording Mode)

An operation in the normal recording mode of this embodiment with theabove arrangement will be described below with reference to FIG. 4.

In this case, the recording mode selection switch 40 is switched to aswitching terminal B side to set the normal recording mode in theapparatus.

The operation from step S11 to step S15 in the normal recording mode isthe same as that from step S1 to step S5, which has been alreadydescribed with reference to FIG. 3, and a detailed description thereofwill be omitted.

In step S12, if the main controller 1 determines that the P/F key 31 isswitched to the facsimile mode, the flow advances to step S16 to set thefacsimile mode. The flow then advances to step S17, and the maincontroller 1 determines whether a facsimile image signal is received inthe printer mode. If NO in step S17, the flow advances to step S22 toset the apparatus in the stand-by state in the facsimile mode.

If YES in step S17, a message for informing reception of the facsimileimage signal in the printer mode, e.g., “delayed delivery was performed”or “please output the image received in the printer mode” is displayedon the LCD 30 in step S18, and at the same time, the LED 36 is turnedon. The operator checks display on the LCD 30 or the ON state of the LED36 and then operates the start key 34 in step S19. The flow advances tostep S20, and the main controller 1 reads out the image data stored inthe image memory of the memory 2. The image data is transferred to therecording control unit 8, and printing of the image data is executed bythe recorder unit P under the control of the recording control unit 8.The display on the LCD 30 is turned off in step S21, and at the sametime the LED 36 is turned off. The flow advances to step S22 to set theapparatus in the stand-by state in the facsimile mode.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, in the automaticrecording mode, by only switching the key switch 31 to the facsimilemode, the facsimile image data received in the printer mode is read outfrom the image memory of the memory 2 and automatically printed by therecorder unit P. For this reason, the facsimile image informationreceived in the printer mode can be properly and quickly printed. In thenormal recording mode, when the key switch 31 is switched to thefacsimile mode, and thereafter, the facsimile image signal is receivedin the printer mode, the operation to be subsequently performed isdisplayed. When the start key 34 is operated in accordance with thedisplay, the facsimile image data received in the printer mode is readfrom the image memory of the memory 2 and printed by the recorder unitP. For this reason, the operation is simple for the user. Particularly,when a plurality of operators use the same apparatus, appropriateprocessing can be performed without confusing facsimile information withprinter information.

In the first embodiment, the image memory (memory 2) in the facsimilemode and the image memory (image memory 11) in the printer mode areseparately provided. However, a common memory can also be used.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment of the present invention will be described belowwith reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing theoperation of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of therecorded image of this embodiment.

In this embodiment, as will be described below, an image memory forstoring received image data is arranged, and facsimile image datareceived in a memory reception mode is temporarily stored in the imagememory.

As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, a CPU 51 for controlling theentire operation is connected to a ROM 52 for storing a control program,a RAM 53 for storing various data during an operation, from whichvarious data is read out during the operation, and a recorder unit 56.The recorder unit 56 is constituted by a DMA controller, an ink-jetprinter, and a printer control signal generation circuit. The recorderunit 56 has a faculty of extracting recording data stored in the RAM 53in accordance with a command from the CPU 51 and printing the data as ahard copy. The RAM 53 has a faculty of storing binary image data read bya reader unit 57 (to be described later), binary image data recorded bythe recorder unit 56, binary image data modulated by a modem 58 (to bedescribed later) and output to a telephone line, binary data receivedfrom the telephone line through an NCU 59 (to be described later) anddemodulated by the modem 58, and the binary data of an input signal froman external terminal through an interface unit 64.

The reader unit 57 is also connected to the CPU 51. The reader unit 57is constituted by a DMA controller, an image processing IC, an imagesensor, and a sensor control signal generation circuit. The reader unit57 has a faculty of binarizing data read by the image sensor by theimage processing IC and sequentially supplying the obtained binary datato the RAM 53 in accordance with a command from the CPU 51. The filledstate of an original read by the reader unit 57 is detected by anoriginal sensor provided in the original convey path, and an originaldetection signal is input to the CPU 51.

A non-volatile RAM 54 for properly storing data which need be saved evenin the powered-off state of the apparatus, a character generator 55(CG), and a display unit 63 are also connected to the CPU 51. Thecharacter generator 55 has a faculty of storing character fonts andextracting a character corresponding to a predetermined code as needed.As the display unit 63, an LCD for displaying various data, which candisplay characters of 16 digits at maximum, is connected. The interfaceunit 64 for receiving print data from an external computer (PC) throughan interface cable 65 is also connected to the CPU 51.

The CPU 51 is also connected to the modem 58 constituted by a G3 modemand a control signal generating unit. In accordance with a command fromthe CPU 51, the modem 58 modulates transmission data stored in the RAM53, outputs the data to a telephone line 60 through the NCU 59 (to bedescribed later), receives an analog signal from the telephone linethrough the NCU, and stores binary data obtained upon demodulation ofthe signal in the RAM 53. The NCU 59 for connecting the telephone line60 to the modem 58 or a telephone set 61 in accordance with a commandfrom the CPU 51 is also connected to the CPU 51. The NCU 59 is connectedto the modem 58 and the telephone set 61 having a handset, a speechnetwork, a dialer, a ten-key pad, and a one-touch key and integrallyconstituted with the facsimile apparatus main body.

The CPU 51 is also connected to an operation unit 62 and a real-timeclock 66 for counting a time. The operation unit 62 has a printermode/facsimile mode switching key, a key for starting imagetransmission/reception, a key for selecting an operation mode such asfine/standard and manual/automatic reception in transmission/reception,and a ten-key pad for dialing. The operating states of these keys aredetected by the CPU 51.

The CPU 51 of this embodiment sets the memory reception mode when therecorder unit 56 becomes inoperable because of a lack of recording paperor the like, or when the apparatus is set in the printer mode. In thememory reception mode, when a facsimile image signal is received,delayed delivery is performed such that the received image signal isstored in the RAM 53 serving as an image memory.

The operation of this embodiment with the above arrangement will bedescribed below with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown in FIG. 6, in step S31, the CPU 51 determines whether theapparatus is set in the printer mode or facsimile mode. If the apparatusis set in the facsimile mode, the flow advances to step S33 to set theapparatus in a stand-by state in the facsimile mode. If the printer modeis determined in step S31, the flow advances to step S32 to set theapparatus in the stand-by mode in the printer mode. In this case, a waitstate is set such that the apparatus can operate as a printer uponaccess from the personal computer PC or the like. If a facsimile imagesignal is received in the printer mode, delayed delivery to the RAM 53is performed. The apparatus of this embodiment can also performtransmission in the printer mode.

The flow advances to step S34, and the CPU 51 determines whether theprinter/facsimile switching key (P/F key) is depressed. If NO in stepS34, the flow advances to step S35, and the CPU 51 determines whetherreceive-start or print-start is present in the printer mode. If neitherare present, the flow returns to step S34. If it is determined thatprint-start is present in step S35, the flow advances to step S36 toexecute printing. If the CPU 51 determines the end of printing in stepS37, the flow returns to step S34. If the CPU 51 determines in step S35that receive-start of a facsimile image signal is present, the flowadvances to step S38 to start memory delayed delivery in accordance witha command from the CPU 51. In step S39, delayed delivery is performed tostore the received image in the RAM 53.

If the CPU 51 determines the end of delayed delivery of one page in stepS40, the flow advances to step S41. Characters corresponding to a timeread from the real-time clock 66 is received from the charactergenerator 55 in accordance with a command from the CPU 51. When data ofone page obtained upon demodulating and binarizing the received imagedata is to be stored in the RAM 53, the time information is added to theend of the page. The flow advances to step S42, and if the CPU 51determines the end of reception, the flow returns to step S34. If theend of reception is not determined in step S42, the flow returns to stepS39 to repeat the same processing, thereby storing image informationwith a reception time added to each page in the RAM 53.

On the other hand, if YES In step S34, the flow advances to step S43 todetermine whether a facsimile image signal is received in the printermode. If NO in step S43, the flow advances to step S33 to set theapparatus in the stand-by state in the normal facsimile mode. If YES instep S43, the flow advances to step S44 in which the image data receivedin the printer mode and stored in the RAM 53 is read in accordance witha command from the CPU 51, and the image data is printed by the recorderunit 56. If the CPU 51 determines the end of print of one page in stepS45, characters corresponding to a time read from the real-time clock 66are received from the character generator 55 in accordance with acommand from the CPU 51 in step S46. The print time data is added to theend of one page. In this manner, the print image with the print timedata added to each page is formed until the CPU 51 determines the end ofread/print of all image data in step S47. If print of all image data isended, the flow returns to step S33 to set the apparatus in the stand-bystate in the facsimile mode.

The print result of the received image formed in the above manner isshown in FIG. 7. A footer mark 50 for detecting the presence/absence ofan ink is added to the end of received image information D printed onrecording paper RP. The reception time information and the print timeinformation are printed to be aligned with the footer mark 50 in thesame row. With this footer mark 50, a printer image can be clearlydiscriminated from a facsimile image, thereby providing confusiontherebetween.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the imagedata received in the memory reception mode is to be stored in the RAM53, reception time data read from the character generator 55 incorrespondence with the time of the real-time clock 66 is added to theto-be-stored image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 51.When the received image data is to be read out from the RAM 53,similarly, read time data is added to the to-be-read image data. Therecorder unit 56 prints the received image added with the reception timedata and the read time data. Therefore, the reception time of thereceived image data and the print time at the recorder unit 56 can begrasped, troubles in processing of received image data can be prevented,and the received image can be easily discriminated from a printer image.

In the second embodiment, the reception time and the print time areprinted at the end of the recorded image. However, a storing start timeas the reception time and a read start time as the print time may beprinted at the head of the recorded image. Date data may also be printedin addition to the time data. Another mark for discriminating theprinter image from the facsimile image may be used in place of thefooter mark. In the second embodiment, the reception time data and theread time data are added to the image data by the character generator 55of the facsimile apparatus. However, the reception time data and theread time data may also be added to the image data by using a characterinformation code in the printer faculty of the apparatus. In this case,the time data can be printed on the print of the received image with aclear and small character style (reduced or small letter) by a font inthe printer faculty without any adverse effect.

According to the present invention, when facsimile image data isreceived in the printer mode, the operator switches the switching meansto the facsimile mode. The control means causes the recorder unit toautomatically operate such that the image data stored in the imagememory in the printer mode is read, and the received image informationis printed by the recorder unit. Therefore, even when facsimile imageinformation is received while the recorder unit is operating as aprinter for an external signal, the facsimile image information can beproperly and quickly printed only by the switching operation to thefacsimile mode.

According to the present invention, when facsimile image data isreceived in the printer mode, the operator switches the switching meansto the facsimile mode. After this switching operation, the printoperating means for reading and printing the image data stored in theimage memory is operated. At this time, the control means causes therecorder unit to perform an output operation such that the image datastored in the image memory in the printer mode is read out, and thereceived image information is printed. Therefore, the operation issimple. Particularly, when a plurality of operators use the sameapparatus, appropriate processing can be performed without confusing thefacsimile information with the printer information.

According to the present invention, when the switching means is switchedto the facsimile mode, and thereafter, facsimile image data is receivedin the printer mode, the control means causes the display means todisplay a message for prompting the output operation of the receivedimage information by the print operating means. Therefore, in additionto the above-described effect, the operator can appropriately performswitching to the facsimile mode and the operation of the print operatingmeans.

According to the present invention, when facsimile image data isreceived in the printer mode, the operator operates the selecting meansto select the first output mode. In this case, upon switching operationto the facsimile mode, the control means causes the recorder unit tooperate such that the image data stored in the image memory in theprinter mode is read out, and the received image information isautomatically printed. If the second output mode is selected, uponoperation of the print operating means after switching to the facsimilemode, the received image information according to the image data storedin the image memory in the printer mode is printed. Therefore, inaccordance with the use conditions such as use by a plurality ofoperators and the degree of skill of the operator, the first output mode(automatic recording mode) and the second output mode (normal recordingmode) can be appropriately selected to properly use the apparatus.

According to the present invention, when received image data is to bestored in the image memory, reception time data is added to theto-be-stored received image data. When the received image data is to beread from the image memory, read time data is added to the to-be-readreceived image data. The recorder unit prints the received image addedwith the reception time data and the read time data. Therefore, thereception time of the received image data and the print time at therecorder unit can be grasped, troubles in processing of the receivedimage data can be prevented, and the received image can be easilydiscriminated from a printer image.

What is claimed is:
 1. A data communication apparatus comprising: firstreceiving means for receiving data from an external terminal through aninterface; second receiving means for receiving data through a linedifferent from the interface; printing means for printing the datareceived by said first and second receiving means; and adding means foradding a predetermined mark to data to be printed by said printingmeans, wherein the mark added by said adding means is for discriminatingthe data received by said first receiving means and the data received bysaid second receiving means when both sets of data are printed by saidprinting means, and wherein said adding means adds a time of receptionof when the data was received by said second receiving means, and a timeof printing of when the data received by said second receiving means wasprinted by said printing means, these times of reception and printingalso being for discriminating the data received by said first receivingmeans from the data received by said second receiving means, and thesetimes of reception and printing being together printed on the same faceof a recording sheet.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein saidprinting means visually prints data received by said first and secondreceiving means, by using a printing agent, and the mark added by saidadding means is for detecting the presence/absence of the printingagent.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said adding meansadds the mark to the data received by said second receiving means.
 4. Acontrol method of controlling a data communication apparatus comprising:a first receiving step, of receiving data from an external terminalthrough an interface; a second receiving step, of receiving data througha line different from the interface; a recording step, of printing thedata received in said first and second receiving steps; and an addingstep, of adding a predetermined mark to data to be printed in saidrecording step, wherein the mark added in said adding step is fordiscriminating the data received in said first receiving step from thedata received in said second receiving step when both sets of data areprinted in said printing step, and a time of reception, of when the datawas received in said second receiving step, is added in said adding stepand a time of printing of when the data received in said secondreceiving step is printed in said recording step, the time of receptionand printing also being for discriminating the data received in saidfirst receiving step from the data received in said second receivingstep, and these times of reception and printing being together printedon the same face of a recording sheet.